"The wind blows where it chooses . . ." John 3:8

From the Rector #10

Weekly thoughts from the Rector of Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church in Houston, Texas, where these words remind us that Jesus’ peace goes with us into the world.

For more than two decades, Tom Matchett has faithfully served as Palmer’s part-time Financial Manager. That makes him the longest serving member of the church staff. Although most people are familiar with his name and have probably sent to his attention a few checks through the years, many of those same people have never met Tom. Yet he has kept in order the financial underpinning of our ministries here.

This week you are invited to attend a reception in Tom’s honor on Thursday, June 30, which is his last day in the church office, in St. Bede’s Chapel from 4:00-6:00 p.m. You can also greet him today at the 10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, during which we will give thanks to God for Tom’s presence here and the new things that await him.

Gracious God, we thank you for the work and witness of your servant Tom, who, through working on our church staff for more than two decades, has strengthened this community of faith and shared his gifts with us. Now bless and preserve him at this time of transition. Day by day, guide him and give him what is needed, friends to cheer his way, and a clear vision of that to which you are now calling him in retirement. By your Holy Spirit be present in his pilgrimage, that he may travel with the One who is the way, the truth, and the life, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.